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Blackhawks To Pursue Marian Hossa & Brian Campbell

The Chicago Blackhawks could be one of the busiest teams once July 1 rolls around, as they are expected to pursue both Marian Hossa and Brian Campbell.

With plenty of cap space and the desire to bolster their roster, the Blackhawks will pitch long-term offers to both Hossa and Campbell as soon as they are able to do so.

"Chicago has a good shot at both guys, if they aren't re-signed with their respective teams," a league executive told TFP this weekend.

On Friday night, Hossa rejected a long-term proposal made by the Pittsburgh Penguins and his agent, Ritch Winter, notified the team that his client will test the open market.

According to a source, Hossa would be interested in playing for the Blackhawks if they presented him with "the right deal."
Campbell, on the other hand, is interested in re-signing with the Sharks, but if the two sides cannot agree to terms on a new contract, he will weigh his options and listen to what other teams have to offer.

The Blackhawks have approximately $44 million committed to next season's payroll. With the salary cap expected to climb over the $55 million mark, Chicago might only have enough room for one of these two stars.

Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon's top priority this summer is obtaining a puck-moving defenseman. If Campbell no longer becomes an option, the Hawks will turn their attention to New York Rangers blueliner Michal Rozsival and Montreal Canadiens blueliner Mark Streit.

I really would not be surprised to see one of them locked up here before the 4th of July. I think they both would be an excellent additions. If we want both Khabby's contract is a must drop. But by that time one may have been wooed away. If we lose out on Campbell I would be intregued to see Streit here out of the 2 he seems to be the better fit. Both guys would be great. I would have to say a team with that likes of Brian Campbell, Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and some other young talent it's safe to say the Hawks could be looking to take the division as well as the cup. If Khabibulin's deal is out that would be a huge plus for the team. Not only do they have a shot at both guys, but now they get to see what Crawford can do. It's exciting to see marquee names being linked to the Hawks.

if they can dump khabby then they better resign lalime as a back up in case crawford fails. I dont see both signings happening.

Agreed. The only reason I would move Khabi is if you know you are going to get both Hossa and Campbell and need to free up the room to get them both....and even then, I think I would trade Havlat first. Khabi still has some left and there is no way I want Crawford shouldering the load of the whole season this year. Most goalies need a year or two as a backup before they go full time with some excepts(see Cary Price).

I think there is no question the Hawks can take on the contracts of both of them. It would be cutting it close to add both and drop no big contracts, but in the end result it would be worth it expecially since they are impact guys, and big deals will be off the table next year. For those who are worried about the future deals there is no need to since by that time the younger talent's deals come along there will be plenty cap space freed up.

I would not shoot anything down. I think with this franchise heading in the right direction it would be a logical landing spot for premiere FA's. I think Hossa would be a bit easier to pick up because Campbell still has a shot of staying in San Jose also may want to play in the East. I think that the Hawks will go all out to get one or both of these FA's and I think there is a good chance Tallon can convince atleast one here. Personally I hope Hossa would sign here the thought of a team with the top two lines featuring Martin Havlat, Marian Hossa, Bobby Lang(?), Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Patrick Sharp is mind boggling. I really think if Khabby stay healthy he can play up to standards.

If they landed Hossa that would give them two insanely talented lines and would make them a team to be dealt with. The only X factor would be...Can Khabibulin return to his form the year he won the cup with Tampa?

Yea, I really dont see us NOT getting one of these guys. Chicago has become a great hockey town once again, with one of the best young teams in hockey. We are going to have FA's lining up at our doorstep in the offseason just begging to come play here. And if a guy is going to sign a deal that lasts 5+ years, why would he want to go to a team that is on the downslide? They wouldn't, they would want to come to a team like us, where we have the best young talent in the league, missed the playoffs by a few pts this past year, have one of the best fan bases in all of hockey, are willing to spend the money to win, and have the overall talent to get the job done.

We will land one of these guys, if not both. As far as the cap goes with the future when kane/toews need to be resigned... well by then, we wont have lang, havlat, or Bulin's contracts to deal with. So even if we gave both of these guys $7m contracts this year, it wouldnt matter. Plus, the cap will be much higher in 2 years anyway.

If the Hawks can score Hossa then I see Kyle Beach spending his 1st season in the Hawks organization at Everette, which isnt a bad thing. Ladd Bolland and Buff will fill the 3rd line which will be pretty damn solid.

If we can get only one of the 2 FA's Id rather get Hossa only because I think our defense will be good as they are especially with the possibility of Barker becoming that offensive minded defensman hes supposed to be. With Hossa, Lang and Havlat and then Sharp Toews and Kane, those are 2 line that can do some serious damge. Ladd Bolland and Buff is very solid for a 3rd line and then they still have their goons on their 4th.

Mods, can we get a poll added to this forum asking which free agent we'd rather have, Hossa or Campell???